Shoppers urged to support South Shields ‘treasure trove’

Daniel Prince

SHOPPERS in South Shields are being urged to show their support for the town’s market as a national campaign gets under way next week.

The annual Love Your Local Market Campaign starts on Wednesday to celebrate the role stall-holders play in communities.

South Shields is a great market for us to trade at during the week, and I’d encourage people to show their support during the campaign

David McDonald

It aims to attract new traders and boost visitor numbers, and it will run for two weeks.

South Shields’ market, centred on the Old Town Hall in Market Place, operates between 9am and 4pm on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a range of items, including food, fabrics and phones, being sold there.

Improvements to the market, including a new canopy, seating and lighting are being made as part of the town’s £100m 365 regeneration plan.

Coun John Anglin, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for regeneration and economy, said: “South Shields has a long and proud tradition of market trading dating back more than 200 years, and the Love Your Local Market campaign is a great opportunity to highlight the role it continues to play in our community.

“I’d encourage all our residents and visitors to pop along over the next fortnight and sample the wares on offer and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The market is a treasure trove of bargains and quirky finds.

“With the Market Place being the focus of considerable investment as part of our 365 plan, it will be remodelled into a 21st century public space, while retaining its historic place at the heart of our town.”

Seven new traders have set up stall on the market in the last fortnight, including family business the Geordie Banger Company, which sells sausages, bacon and burgers.

Owner David McDonald said: “We’ve been every Friday for the last five weeks, and trade is really picking up each week. We’re getting regulars coming back now.

“South Shields is a great market for us to trade at during the week, and I’d encourage people to show their support during the campaign.”

For information about the market, or details of how to apply to become a market trader, visit www.southtyneside.info/market or call 427 2057.